Optimal planning and sizing of microgrid cluster for performance enhancement

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy Systems
• Sustainable Development
• Techno-economic Analysis

Background:

• Access to electricity is critical for development, with Ethiopia facing significant access gaps, especially in rural areas.
• The Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's (SNNP) region has the lowest electricity access rates in Ethiopia.
• Ethiopia targets universal electricity access by 2030, with microgrids (MGs) identified as a key strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize microgrid (MG) sizing and techno-economic feasibility in three Ethiopian villages using a multi-tier framework (MTF).
• To analyze the sensitivity of MG performance and cost to variables like solar irradiance, component prices, and operational limits.
• To evaluate the benefits of clustering MGs versus standalone operation and assess grid extension feasibility.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a multi-tier framework (MTF) to classify households based on electricity needs and willingness to pay.
• Employed HOMER Pro software for optimal microgrid (MG) sizing and techno-economic analysis, considering sensitivity variables.
• Conducted comparative analysis of standalone MGs, clustered MGs, and potential grid extension.

Main Results:

• Optimized MG designs were determined for Toba, Koza, and Womba villages in the SNNP region.
• Reduced cost of energy (COE) was observed with increased capacity shortage tolerance in the Toba MG.
• Clustered microgrids demonstrated comparable techno-economic and reliability benefits to standalone systems, despite interconnection costs.

Conclusions:

• Microgrid development is a viable strategy for enhancing electricity access in rural Ethiopia.
• Sensitivity analysis provides crucial insights for optimizing MG design and cost-effectiveness.
• Clustering microgrids and exploring grid extension are important considerations for future electrification efforts.